ICD-10 Coding for Panic Attack(F41.0, F41.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Panic Attack. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Panic Attack
F40-F48Primary Range
Anxiety, dissociative, stress-related, somatoform and other nonpsychotic mental disorders
This range includes codes for various anxiety disorders, including panic disorder.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F41.0 | Panic disorder [episodic paroxysmal anxiety] without agoraphobia | Use when panic disorder is the primary focus of care and criteria are met. |
|
| F41.9 | Anxiety disorder, unspecified | Use when specific criteria for other anxiety disorders are not met. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for panic attacks
Essential facts and insights about Panic Attack
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for panic attack
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Recurrent unexpected panic attacks
documentation Criteria
- Documented behavioral changes due to panic attacks
Applicable To
- Panic disorder without agoraphobia
Excludes
- Panic disorder with agoraphobia (F40.01)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Recurrent unexpected panic attacks
- At least one month of persistent concern about additional attacks
- Behavioral changes due to attacks
Code-Specific Risks
- Overuse of unspecified codes
- Confusion with agoraphobia
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation includes frequency and impact of attacks.
F41.9 - Anxiety disorder, unspecified
Use when specific criteria for other anxiety disorders are not met.
Applicable To
- Anxiety NOS
Excludes
- Panic disorder (F41.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Generalized anxiety symptoms without specific criteria for other anxiety disorders
Coding Notes
Use only when no other specific anxiety disorder codes apply.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Panic Attack to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F41.0.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Use structured templates, Ensure all criteria are documented
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on anxiety disorder prevalence.
Mitigation Strategy
Use F40.10 for social anxiety if attacks are situationally bound.
Impact
Frequent use of F41.9 may trigger audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific codes whenever possible.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Panic Attack, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Panic Attack
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Panic Attack. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Psychiatry Progress Note
Specialty: PsychiatryRequired Elements
- Frequency of attacks
- Triggers and avoidance behaviors
- Response to treatment
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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